More from Football

Zola - We don't fear United

West Ham will walk out at Manchester United on Wednesday with no fear, according to Gianfranco Zola.

By Claire Hughes

Last Updated: 28/10/08 6:05pm

West Ham United will walk out at Manchester United on Wednesday with no fear, according to manager Gianfranco Zola.

Old Trafford is usually the last place a team wants to visit after three successive defeats. But Zola believes that his side are going to the defending champions with a healthy dose of respect - and nothing to fear.

"We do respect them but we don't fear them. We are going to go there and play our game. We are going to try to win the game as we always do that," he told the club's official website.

"I'll be certainly telling them that it is a tough match but in football everything is possible. We are a good team and I believe that we can do that. We respect them but we will play our game and we will see."

Zola's managerial philosophy is that playing good football leads to good results - despite their recent run of defeats.

But the Italian believes that just one result will revert the trend and get things back on track.

He said: "It never happened to me that I saw a team playing that well and then not getting any points for three matches.

"I know that in football things can change quickly. We just need a game to get it right and then everything will be better. It's a good starting point to play well, results are a consequence of that. That's my philosophy and I will pursue it.

"The way we are playing suits the team very well and just have to accept that sometimes there are bad moments and things don't go your way."

Behrami back

The good news for the Hammers' boss ahead of Wednesday's trip to Old Trafford is that Swiss international midfielder Valon Behrami will be back after a groin problem.

But captain Lucas Neill, who has been suffering with a virus, will miss out again, leaving Matthew Upson to lead the team in his absence.

The other key absentee is striker Carlton Cole, who has been given a three-match ban after being sent off in the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.